Preface

Table of Contents | Next

This manual was written by Hollis N. Walker while she was a research petrographer with the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC). First published in 1992 as a Virginia SP&R report, it was intended as a reference and guide manual for those persons conducting petrographic evaluations of concrete and concrete materials. For those who have obtained a copy of the manual and used it, it has served that purpose well. Since its introduction, VTRC has continued to make the manual available to those who request it.

With the current downsizing of state highway agencies, and retirement of experienced staff of long time service, the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has noticed a steady increase in the number and extent of inquiries from the states regarding references and training in petrography. As a first step in responding to this growing need, the FHWA has joined with the VTRC to republish this manual for wider distribution and utilization.

The decision was made to republish the manual as it was written in 1992, without change. This was done not only to expedite printing and distribution, but also because the manual is still an excellent and timely document as written, with much of the equipment and procedures unchanged since that time. Where change has occurred, it is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, so that little technology advancement is forfeited by forgoing the re-write at this time. The excellent peer review group who helped finalize the original document (see acknowledgments) also ensured its initial quality.

Users of this document are encouraged to submit comments and suggested additions or changes to Dr. Stephen W. Forster, FHWA, 202 493-3070, or Mr. D. Stephen Lane, VTRC, 804 293-1953, for inclusion in any future revisions to the manual.